Overview & Reviews

The original Mitsubishi Lancer never exactly blew us away. It was underpowered and not particularly entertaining to drive, its interior was simply OK and its styling was dull to boot. The second-generation Lancer has corrected two of those problems, especially with its aggressive new styling featuring a "shark nose" fascia. It's also kind of fun to drive, thanks to solid handling dynamics and (apart from the base engine) peppy engine choices.

All in all, count the Lancer as one model that has greatly improved from generation to generation. However, compared to more recently redesigned compact sedans, the Lancer's refinement, interior quality and fuel economy trail considerably. While the latest Lancer is an attractive, sporty sedan, we suggest thoroughly looking around at its many competitors.

Current Mitsubishi Lancer
Mitsubishi's stylish compact sedan is offered in DE, ES, SE, GT and Ralliart trims. The Sportback body style and high-performance Evolution are reviewed separately.

The two lower trims are front-wheel drive and powered by a 148-horsepower (143 hp in California-emissions-level states) inline-4. The all-wheel-drive SE and front-wheel-drive GT get a 2.4-liter 168-hp four. Should that not be enough, there is the Ralliart, which offers a 237-hp turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive. A five-speed manual transmission is standard on all but the Ralliart, while Mitsubishi's continuously variable transmission (CVT) is optional (except on Ralliart). The Ralliart comes with a quick-witted automated-clutch manual transmission.

In reviews of the Mitsubishi Lancer, we've been impressed with its secure handling, sporty styling and high-tech optional features. The Rockford Fosgate hard-drive-equipped audio system drew particularly high praise. On the downside, we've found the Lancer's base four-cylinder rather lacking in both power and refinement, and the CVT does nothing to help the situation -- in fact, we feel it saps power from the engine. We would therefore suggest sticking with the five-speed manual transmission or going with a GT, though fuel economy isn't impressive with any model. The Lancer's cabin also falls short of the segment leaders in terms of materials quality and lacks a telescoping steering wheel, which makes the car uncomfortable for many tall drivers.

Used Mitsubishi Lancer Models
The current Lancer generation dates back to the 2008 model year. Originally, only DE, ES and GTS trims were offered and all came with the base four-cylinder listed at 152 hp until 2011. The GTS was similar to the current car's GT, but it possessed a sport-tuned suspension. The 2.4-liter engine and the Ralliart showed up for '09. Stability control was available only on the Ralliart until 2010, when it became standard across the board along with four-wheel antilock brakes. ABS had previously been optional on the DE (that trim switched to four-wheel discs for 2010, but then reverted back to drums a year later). Some revised exterior and interior styling for certain trims and standard power door locks also showed up for 2010. The SE trim was new for 2012.

The first Mitsubishi Lancer was launched for the 2002 model year as a replacement for the Mirage sedan. It originally came in three trim levels: ES, O-Z Rally and LS. The ES came with a fine list of standard features, such as power accessories, a CD player and air-conditioning. The O-Z Rally trim offered a sportier look thanks to 15-inch O-Z alloy wheels and special interior trim upgrades. The LS distinguished itself with cruise control, ABS (not offered as an option on the ES or O-Z Rally) and remote keyless entry. All trims came with the 120-hp 2.0-liter engine and a five-speed manual. A four-speed automatic was standard on the LS and available as an option in the other two models.

Running changes included the 2004 debut of the Lancer Ralliart trim level, which boasted a 162-hp 2.4-liter engine, ABS, alloy wheels, sport exhaust and a sport-tuned suspension. Ralliart sedans came standard with a five-speed manual transmission. That year, Mitsubishi also introduced the Lancer Sportback wagon, available in LS or Ralliart trim. The 162-hp engine powered both wagon trim levels, but the Sportback was only available with a four-speed automatic. Mitsubishi discontinued the Lancer LS and both Sportback models in 2005. In 2006, the Lancer SE, featuring a sunroof, six audio speakers, cruise control and remote keyless entry, was introduced to freshen up the lineup.

In road tests, our editors found this Mitsubishi Lancer comfortable, though not especially fun to drive. Its power and performance weren't exactly overwhelming. But its spacious interior, particularly for rear passengers, and comfortable ride might appeal to those looking for a pleasant and roomy sedan at a decent price. The sport-tuned Lancer Ralliart, with its more powerful engine and tighter suspension, offers higher performance at an affordable price, making it the best choice of this Lancer generation.

Previous to the Lancer, Mitsubishi's small-car offering was the Mirage.

User Reviews:

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  Dont deal with Mitsubishi - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Kevin - October 6 - 12:10 am

  It was very nice at first then unusual stuff started happening to the car. Stuff Mitsubishi wont cover. For example, earlier this week, I was driving down the highway at 60 mph. There was no one on the road in front of me and there was no overpass. Clear skies. All of a sudden I heard an explosion right above me. It was the sunroof. Glass started flying off the back of my car from the sunroof. I had no idea what just happened and am absolutely positive that nothing hit the car. After getting the run around from the dealership and their hot line, and finding proof this happened to other people (theres an entire forum with people with similar stories) They still said they would not cover it.

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  Great basic car - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By karl - October 5 - 6:00 pm

  This was our fourth Mitsubishi and third from this dealer. I needed a car to get to/from work and the Lancer ES fit the bill. Knowing that gas could go higher in price, I had donated my truck to charity and wanted a car that would be reliable, safe, and at least double the mpg of the V8 in my truck. After driving a variety of small cars, I went with what I knew and got the Mitsubishi and I have NEVER looked back. I have taken it cross country twice and averaged 30.5 mpg on the highway. With a Yakima rack, I can haul my canoe and fit 85 duck decoys in the truck and back seat too. Sure, I get a few funny looks at the boat ramp but it doesnt break the bank to fill it either.

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  Nice Car for First-time Buyers - 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Bhaskar - October 1 - 5:23 am

  This is the first brand new car I ever purchased and I absolutely love it. Even though Mitsubishi is not as popular as a Honda or a Toyota, it still knows how to build a nice car for economy drivers like me.

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  Better than expected!! - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By chief - September 26 - 4:50 am

  Im a truck guy, I bought this for my wife because I didnt want a "family" car. I couldnt even think of parking a Corolla, Camry, Sentra or whatever else in my garage. I love the aggressive styling. Its fast, dont get the wrong idea, using the paddle shifters will push you back in the seat and get you to triple digits fairly quick, I mean, after all it is a 4 cyl. We got octane blue, which is great looking in the sun. Fully loaded, every option available. Even had the dealer tint the windows and the car looks even better now! If youre on the fence, go drive one, you will buy!

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  Outstanding car - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Wolfman - September 24 - 7:43 pm

  Got my new Mitsu 2 days ago and I love it. Test drove 5 other cars that are comparable and this one was the best by far. GOOD JOB MITSUBISHI. Just hope you keep it up. The car has some amazing safety (good for my kids) features and lots of toys. It totally blew away most of the competition and at 6 foot 6 I enjoy the roomy interior. Lots of toys as well... Satellite radio, Blue Tooth, awesome stereo, and sunroof... Excellent warranty which gives me (new father of 2) peace of mind. Sales people were awesome as well. Let the car sell itself. They did not have any theatrics, drama, scripted tag teaming, etc.. Highly recommend the dealership. Great car and again, thanks Mitsubishi.

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  Love it - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Ralliartchik - September 22 - 1:23 pm

  I have the Ralliart 5 speed and love it. I had to trade in my 2 dr car when I got pregnant and I told my husband that I would only get a 4 dr car if it is 5 speed and sporty. This car fit me perfectly and I love it. If I could afford the Evo I would but this is the next best thing for a reasonable price.

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  Replacing brakes as maintenance? - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By fccm - September 22 - 2:00 am

  Beware of their warranty!! We were just informed that we had to replace the brakes and that it was not covered since it is considered "maintenance" despite having only 20,000 miles. Wish I had bought something else

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  70,000 Milles and still very happy! - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Raul O - September 16 - 5:30 pm

  I have had my Mitsubishi Lancer for three years now, driving from Miami to New York, trailering my 850 pounds jet ski to the bay all weekends and the car still is like new condition. The only repairs that I have done besides oil changes, change spark plugs, filter and alignment, have been to replace the spark plug wires. I am really happy with the reliability of this car. It has a lot of space, is strong enough to pull the jet ski or a boat off the ramp on the weekends, and has good interior space. I am 62" and fit perfectly and comfortably in the car. Thus far my Lancer has been a very dependable car.

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  Love my Lancer! - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By khusin - September 9 - 11:43 pm

  Bought my GTS 4 months ago and i am really enjoying it! Exterior looks great, i get compliments wherever i go. It lacks a bit of power at first but fast once up to speed, and extremely fun to drive. I have taken it to a few mountain passes and driven it along the California coast and i couldnt be happier with it. The car handles very well with very good steering feel, although with the 18" stock wheels on the GTS it can be jarring at times. Rockford system sounds great and the sun roof is a plus. Plenty of room for me and three friends. My only complaint is the use of some cheap plastics on the interior which tend to rattle a little with the sub turned up. Overall tho i LOVE this car!

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  Cant be Beat! - 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Bad in Cairo - September 5 - 7:40 pm

  Having had numerous foreign cars; Kia, Toyota, Lada and US cars; Chevy, Ford, Dodge, Jeep, I cant find any real issues with this vehicle other than the 1.6 liter engine (standard in the Middle East/African regions) which cranks out 108hp. I average 34-38 highway miles. Considering the roads out my way are not comparative to the US or Europe, I find this car soaks ups the potholes quite well and only time will tell how the FWD components last. But as Japanese cars are like Mercedes and BMWs here....worth the money, Ill buy another Mitsubishi again.